When we left off last June, we had arrived in Idaho to our rental house which had been trashed and defaced.

Although I could write a book just on that summer experience, let’s just say, that after being on the road for so long, we actually enjoyed our summer stay and all the hard work. We set up our camp inside the house (after lots of initial cleansing) and put our energy into creating something Beautiful from something that wasn’t.

Thinking back a few years ago, one of our initial goals when we set out on the road was that we wanted to travel for long periods, then to temporarily stay put in a community for a few months or so to get to know the local favors. Then this past summer we were forced into doing that very thing which we desired. Funny how the world works.

Now here we are into 2016 already!

Blessed with a new grandson in November, we are spending the winter months back in California, where we can be around the new baby and new parents, as well as enjoying the rest of our family.

We’ve had two house-sits to break up the winter, (and our van-stays) which were fantastic, both times taking care of lovey homes and lovely pets for wonderful people.

But really, it’s always so cozy to return to our little van home.

At years end, I spent time re-visiting this blog, and going through literally thousands of photos I’ve taken over the past two years.

I am amazed! And feel so blessed. And so unbelieving of all the incredible places we’ve traveled to, and all the beautiful experiences we’ve had traveling around in this little white van.

I have so many fond memories of gorgeous sunsets, amazing wildlife, ancient cultures, strange trees, bizarre inclement weather, solitary vistas, interesting people of so many different sorts, balloons in the air, red red rocks, birds of all colors, mile high camping, prehistoric looking animals, and on and on.

I think I could ramble on to eternity here, but I’ll spare whoever is reading this for the moment, and just say it’s a life worth living! The times of feeling homeless, and worries of where to sleep for the night, well yes, there are challenges. But life is a challenge meant to be met head on, conquering fears, daring to be different, willing to try new experiences.

So thankful for the opportunity to make these choices. So thankful for all that has come our way these past few years.

In honor of those memories and a longing to make more in the future, I’m reposting some of my favorite photos of some of my favorite places.

Thanks to those who have traveled along with us through this blog. Hoping that there will be much more to come in the future.

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It’s a spectator sport in Yellowstone…wildlife spotting. It’s like winning the jackpot in Las Vegas when you actually get to see the big ones.

Some people set up and wait hours in lawn chairs for an appearance. Others are willing to stand out in the rain in complete gear and huge cameras with their own rain suits covering the glass.

Cow Elk

Bald Eagle

Gotta Scratch – Young Bison

We were lucky, observant, and always searching. We didn’t stand in the rain, or set up our chairs. Fred’s an awesome driver…and doesn’t mind pulling over, turning around, or even dropping me off and later retrieving me if there is nowhere safe to pull over. We take the roads least traveled, and stop often.

Napping In The Warmth Of Hot Springs

Bull Elk

Killdeer Among The Hot Springs

We are very respectful of the animals, and super aware of our safety.

Trumpeter Swan

Dripping From Drinking

The Van sits up high, and I often shoot out the window, using the half rolled up window to brace my camera. Or I can stand on the door step to get some extra height.

Grizzlies Sharing A Bison Kill

Sometimes we have solitude, sometimes there is madness. Even with these chaotic traffic jams that do sometimes occur, all in all, it’s an awesome sport, and everyone wins sometimes.

That’s the story of Yellowstone. While driving and hiking around exploring, it’s hard to imagine that we are actually inside of the caldera of a volcano. The expansiveness of it is too much for this simple brain…but the impressions, colors, and incredible fairyland images were so fun to capture.

The smoking Earth and Nature’s paint pallets reach out in all directions!

Cavernous holes and eerie formations create mysterious landscapes.

Earth Hues concoct impressive color combinations and saturations.

And yes, We did watch the eruption of Old Faithful, the most famous of geysers, which on this day was erupting every 45-90 minutes. We almost turned back when we saw the masses of people and rows and rows of metal shiny cars and RV’s in the largest of parking lots.

I was afraid of seeing nothing but backs of heads, but we now learned travelers about these things, just walked right up past the grandstands, and like pro’s, sat on the edge of the viewing platform, with legs dangling over the sides with other photographers and serious science nuts, to get our front row seats.

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A little bummed that the sky was not a blue background sky, but all was still impressive, and the theatrics were beautifully performed and synchronized.